Successful alumnus prefers to give than receive

Mr Wesley Lim (’95), a graduate from the National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Engineering, has been giving to his alma mater for more than a decade.

How did you come to know about Annual Giving?

I came to know about the Annual Giving campaign from The AlumNUS magazine and started giving to this campaign some years after I started working.

What was your childhood like?

I grew up in a family of six, consisting of my parents, my aunt and two elder sisters, in a three-bedroom HDB flat and I stayed there until I got married. My father was running a small business in Chinatown, with my mum supporting him during busy days. I helped out in my father’s business since young, and that inspired my interest in business and maths.

Why do you give?

My late father was a role model for me. From young, I learnt that one should be honest and help others if the financial situation permits. He taught me to save, invest and spend within my limits. I also learnt from my relatives that my father regularly supported various cousins by paying for their higher education fees. These acts of giving and caring shaped my perspectives. Now I am motivated to do the same, to help many others where I can.

Did your NUS education help you in your career?

In the course of Electrical Engineering, I learnt that I have to differentiate myself to compete. I am currently a director at Emerson Network Power – a US-based multinational company. I manage a team of business development managers, solution managers and professional services engineers which drives software and services solutions to various industries.

What are your goals?

I hope to retire by 55 and spend more time in helping others and giving back.